How to Talk to Your Kids About Spiders Without Scaring Them

Spiders always seem to arrive at your home in the most unexpected manner, and most of the time, it scares both you and your children. Most kids get a lot of fear and anxiety from merely viewing a spider from far away. Since you are their parent, sometimes it may not be easy to discuss spiders with your children.

If your child’s scared of spiders, try talking to them calmly. Explain that spiders are tiny helpers in nature, keeping bugs away. Most are not dangerous, and understanding them can make your child feel less afraid and even a little curious.

While education is important, you also want your home to feel comfortable and safe. Sometimes, spiders can show up in numbers more than one can handle. Moreover, some of them are dangerous species. In such cases, it is best to call pest control services. Visit This page to learn more.

Understand The Source Of The Fear

If your kid’s scared of spiders, take a minute to think about what they have seen. Kids pick up on everything. If they have watched you or someone else freak out over a spider, they are probably just copying that.

For instance, if you scream looking at a spider and evoke disgust, your child will likely repeat the same reaction. Moreover, the spider’s look, consisting of numerous legs, a furry body, and rapid movement, can frighten a child who still has no idea what they are.

Another important factor to consider is the media your child consumes. Cartoons and movies often depict spiders as frightening or threatening animals.

Use Age-Appropriate Language

When you are trying to explain something about spiders to your toddler, remember to use simple language. You can say something like, “Spiders help us by eating other insects in the house.” Avoid using complicated biological terms that add to the uncertainty.

If you have older kids, you can talk to them about real spider facts and even look up engaging YouTube videos. Adjusting your language according to your child’s age ensures that your child is actually learning and not just overwhelmed by a wave of new information.

Talk About The Positives

If your child is already scared of spiders and you want to change that, start talking about the good, positive things. This converts your child’s fear into curiosity. Tell children that spiders are a useful part of nature because they eat insects that could harm plants or cause illness.

You can also stimulate their curiosity by letting them know some facts that might interest them. For example, inform them of how spiders trap their food through the webs that they create using their own saliva. Also, some spiders are dark and can easily camouflage themselves, but others are colored.

Avoid Using Scary Words Or Tone

The words you use and the tone you use them in greatly influence the way your children think about spiders. Avoid describing spiders as “creepy,” “gross,” or “scary” around young children.

Also, pay attention to your own response. Children learn from adults’ feelings, so remaining calm and unruffled when you see a spider teaches them that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Use Books And Videos To Teach

Kids enjoy books with plenty of pictures and cartoon viewing. So, you can utilize children-friendly books on spiders and cartoon programs that present spiders in a positive manner. Tales that portray spiders as useful or interesting enable kids to feel a sense of connection rather than fear.

One of the book suggestions is “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle. However, some children will still be afraid of spiders even with these attempts. One should be patient with them and acknowledge their feelings and emotions.

That being said, if you have a spider infestation in your house, you should act quickly. Call professional pest control services today.